Builds Trail Tailor- Custom Armor Build plus a few things

[TRAIL TAILOR]

So a little update..

Regardless of the outcome with my overseas clients I plan to move forward with the front and possibly the rear bumpers as well.

I have 41 guys interested in the front alone and about the same on the rear (mainly without swing arms...) Today I pulled the trigger on a 5 x 10 plasma table, 130 amp Hi-Def cutter and a 100 ton CNC press brake. All will be delivered within the next 6-12 weeks to the new Redding location. I will need a couple of R&D rigs to get all this finalized. I've spoken to a few.

Andrea was wanting a 200, but the GX470 has caught her eye now... So the Prado 120/GX470 guys may get some love as well.

So, be looking for some production runs in the near future.

Special thanks to @TonyP for running his rig HARD and beating the hell out of my armor. Without a true brutalitarian testing these products out, they would never be this far ahead on my build/production list. Thanks T.

Stay tuned

Jason

 

[Markuson]

So...
-41+ potential orders later...
-Two months free R&D use of Tony's rig...

...Thinkin TonyP should get his bumpers for free.

Just sayin...

PS... Go Air Force!

 

[TRAIL TAILOR]

So...
-41+ potential orders later...
-Two months free R&D use of Tony's rig...

...Thinkin TonyP should get his bumpers for free.

Just sayin...

PS... Go Air Force!

You're way behind on our deal..... So, we're way ahead of your thought process.... But thanks for trying....

J

 

[Markuson]

You're way behind on our deal..... So, we're way ahead of your thought process.... But thanks for trying....

J

Yay?

 

[sPaulp]

Put me first in line for a front bumper please

 

[TRAIL TAILOR]

Yay?

I'll respond to your pre-edited post "thanks for trying what?"


Trying to make it sound like I'm the only one that gained anything.

41+ potential customers... maybe 25% truly interested when it comes down to it and 25% of those that will actually buy... Just the reality of the matter. So, from a fabricators bottom line... still in the hole.

2 months of free R&D... ~2 weeks was for pick up and delivery lag time so Tony didn't have to take time away from his schedule and I made it work for when I had time available to make it work for me as well. I don't work weekends so take another week away. Tony's bumpers were a one off build, not for reproduction purposes. I only worked on them part time as I also had other orders I was getting out as well. But, after 3-5 hours a day on the bumpers, another 1-2 hours taking pics, sending emails and making phone calls to keep the build in the direction he and I wanted it. Probably stayed in line with what other shops would call a full time build. If all I did was focus on his rig the time would have been cut in half in theory.

The only true production pieces that came from having his rig here were the control arm skids and possibly the belly skid plates which I still have not seen from a laser shop, which at the end of the day equates to around 4 days of R&D for my/communities benefit.

J

 

[RS6tofj80]

Exciting to hear....... I'm fully committed to a front bumper when ready. love a exta rear tank and associated skid plate as well.

Much appreciate your supporting product developement for the 200 world..... and agree that 460 products make utter sense given the price curve they are on and that platforms potential...

I'll be in touch shortly on the Bajaj Design needs.... ( one cna never have enough light)

E

 

[bugsnbikes]

so how does this mount to the front of the cruiser frame?

 

[codyaustin5]

Finally got rear sensors in....

 

[TonyP]

Finally got rear sensors in....

View attachment 1515251

I've been dragging my ass on these. I'm thinking of using trim black paint to get them to blend in better. I hear mixed results on whether the paint interferes with the sensor.

 

[Fasternfaster]

How about a black sharpie?

 

[TonyP]

That would probably work but would look ghetto as s***.

 

[Markuson]

I'll respond to your pre-edited post "thanks for trying what?"


Trying to make it sound like I'm the only one that gained anything.

41+ potential customers... maybe 25% truly interested when it comes down to it and 25% of those that will actually buy... Just the reality of the matter. So, from a fabricators bottom line... still in the hole.

2 months of free R&D... ~2 weeks was for pick up and delivery lag time so Tony didn't have to take time away from his schedule and I made it work for when I had time available to make it work for me as well. I don't work weekends so take another week away. Tony's bumpers were a one off build, not for reproduction purposes. I only worked on them part time as I also had other orders I was getting out as well. But, after 3-5 hours a day on the bumpers, another 1-2 hours taking pics, sending emails and making phone calls to keep the build in the direction he and I wanted it. Probably stayed in line with what other shops would call a full time build. If all I did was focus on his rig the time would have been cut in half in theory.

The only true production pieces that came from having his rig here were the control arm skids and possibly the belly skid plates which I still have not seen from a laser shop, which at the end of the day equates to around 4 days of R&D for my/communities benefit.

J

Didn't know how to respond, as I didn't understand your response "Thanks for trying"

"Thanks for trying what?" reflected my confusion, and so did "Yay?" (Question mark)

All good here though, man...
I was very impressed with the bumper driving with Tony for a week...

Saw this little sign in a Moab coffee shop... Maybe it applies here..
Additionally...what I "mean" doesn't always come through in writing.
But anyway...sorry if it was off somehow.

 

[TRAIL TAILOR]

I've been dragging my ass on these. I'm thinking of using trim black paint to get them to blend in better. I hear mixed results on whether the paint interferes with the sensor.

T,. Scuff and clean with degreaser or alcohol and use Testors model paint or a black Dupont touch up pen.

J

 

[Markuson]

Finally got rear sensors in....

View attachment 1515251

Krylon makes a "Plastic Fusion" rattle-can paint that should bond well...

 

[kevinfoutch]

Krylon makes a "Plastic Fusion" rattle-can paint that should bond well...

I like the bespoke look as-is!

 

[codyaustin5]

I've been dragging my ass on these. I'm thinking of using trim black paint to get them to blend in better. I hear mixed results on whether the paint interferes with the sensor.

For my fronts I used plastidip and works fine. No interference. I tried wrapping them with vinyl and didn't work. The holes drilled were all the same size but the sensors are 2 different sizes so you'll need to order the flat round grommets so they fit where the tear drop grommets went. They were $5 each. Also I had Slee extend the sensor wire 8" as it wouldn't reach the far passenger side.

 

[Mikec]

I've even entertained stamping the fronts. For a couple of reasons.

1) smooth rolling contours to match and follow the 200s body.
2) minimal welding
3) production will be greatly increased and final costs reduced.
4) increased shell strength. Slightly rolled steel is more resilient than flat plate.

I have a source in CA that can stamp up to a 1.25" steel (bumper area size) which is over 10 times thicker than any other bumper stamping press capabilities in the US. 50,000 metric ton 8 post with a 25' square press floor.

They press 3/4" Grade T100 bullet head caps for 15' diameter cryogenic gas vessels.

Lots of options, just need some time and commitments.

J

Jason,

Count me in, I'd be in for a front bumper too.
Mikec

 

[Obi Wong Kenobi]

Still interested!

 

[shelby95]

I see the interest in the steelie look. I liked it a lot and researched making and adding a custom aluminum solid wheel to the Trail Tailor line. The designers at Forgeline discouraged me from the venture.

They said that a solid wheel promoted premature failure of brake pads and rotors in all cases they had designed and got feedback on. The heat and debris build up caused less than desired braking performance as well in all designs. They said there is a reason that the vented, slotted, holed etc.. wheel is still the most manufactured in the world today.

Maybe why Yota only has a vented design for all current models (30+ years?).

Curious to the feedback form the guys that run steelies. Have you noticed these affectations and did you run a diferent wheel to compare before the steelies?

J

What about a "semi-solid" aluminum wheel, something akin to the OEM slotted/holed steel wheel?

I understand the heat issue and reckon the solid wheels of yesteryear began to contribute to brake issues when pickups and SUVs left their natural habitat and assumed daily driver duties in urban settings where their brakes were required to bring their heavy load to a stop from higher speeds and under stop-and-go conditions.